Your answers

Which of the following should be included in your toddler’s diet to help him build strong teeth?

Calcium

Iron

Vitamin C

Your child needs plenty of calcium for laying down bones and teeth. If weaning from the breast or bottle has dramatically reduced his milk intake, make sure he gets dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese instead.

How often should you clean your toddler’s teeth?

At least twice a day

Once a day

Never, they’re only his baby teeth

Clean your toddler's teeth at least twice every day. Make sure that the last time is after supper so that food remnants do not stay in his mouth all night.

If your toddler likes eating toothpaste, could it be a problem?

Yes

No

Yes. Swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste while your child's teeth are forming can lead to fluorosis, which causes white spots or patches on the tooth enamel. However, a large helping of toothpaste can be poisonous. In the average five year old, eating half a tube of toothpaste can cause nausea and vomiting. Make sure your child can't get to the toothpaste unaided. If you suspect your child has eaten a large amount of toothpaste, take him to your nearest accident and emergency department.

If you’ve treated you toddler to sweets, what should you encourage him to have afterwards?

A piece of cheese or some milk

A stick of celery

Orange or apple juice

If your child has just eaten sweets, make sure he has a piece of cheese or some milk as soon as possible after he has finished them to neutralise the sugars, and make sure that his next teeth cleaning session is thorough.

It is recommended you supervise your child while he's brushing his teeth until what age?

Three years old

Five years old

Seven years old

It is recommended that you supervise your child until he is at least seven years old, by which time he will have the manual dexterity needed to clean his teeth thoroughly. Once your toddler shows an interest in trying to clean his own teeth you should let him have a go, showing him how to brush in small circular movements, rather than from side to side.

When should you start taking your toddler to the dentist for a check-up?

When his first teeth come through

When his first tooth falls out

When he first complains of toothache

You should start his first check-ups when his first teeth come through. Modern dentistry is increasingly preventive rather than curative, so don't wait for years until your child has toothache. Try to make regular dental care part of his taken-for-granted routine. Dentists who undertake sessions in child health clinics are usually especially good with toddlers and will make visits fun. Dentists can also help advise you on helping your child to look after his teeth.

Special Offers from Our Partners

We want to make your experience easy and help you quickly find information that matters to you. By using our site, we assume that you consent to our use of these cookies. To learn more about our cookies, including how to opt out, please review our privacy policy.

Food and fertility
A healthy, balanced diet is important when you're trying to conceive. Find out the best foods to eat when trying for a baby, and make sure you're getting all the vitamins and minerals you need.

Meet other mums!
In your Birth Club, you can meet other mums and mums-to-be whose due date, or baby's birth date, is the same as yours. It's the perfect place to share advice, support and friendship with others who know what you're going through, because they are too!